Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Clogged fuil injectors p0300 code a very common problem with GM cars GM came out with a bulletin to clean the injectors short term fix I have seen many vehicles daily with this problem many injectors replaced.some GM cars dont have this problem corvette prizm both cars use a different style injector they dont clogge GM says gas is the problem well corvette and prizm uses the same gas.this is such a common problem GM needs to step up and come out with a better injector and recall the cars.I had my injectors cleand many times and all the injectors replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. While parked, the contact noticed a strong gasoline fuel odor being emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a fuel leak coming from the seal on top of the high pressure line. The mechanic stated the fuel pump would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Passlock system failure. Happens very frequently (three to four times a week) and car cannot be started for at least 10 minutes while the system resets itself. This problem was misdiagnosed several times by different (well-qualified) mechanics and wound up costing over 1500 dollars in unneeded repairs to the fuel pump and fuel line several times. GM is aware of this problem and refuses to do a recall.
Something is wrong with how the fuel is being received. When its in neutral it receives the fuel just fine but in reverse or drive it tries to stall out or die. We usually have to take it on a drive just to get the fuel pumping through. It's crazy and scary because when you need to pull and go it will jerk and stall and that not a good thing.
The consumer has experienced the following: the front end suspension arm needs changing, rack pinion assembly is leaking oil and internal noises, the pump cap has been changed twice (the pressure oil returns to the cap), and the rear crankshaft seal is leaking. Scc
Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. Gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. Vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. Oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. Steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. …
Cooling fluid was leaking into the engine from a failed lower intake manifold gasket. I only have about 52000 miles and less than 4 years on my car. I believe the gasket should have a much longer life. The service agents at the dealer told me the failure is not uncommon, but said the $699 repair bill would not be reimbursed or covered by GM unless I have an extended warranty. I have talked to other Malibu owners and some have seen the same problem or have noticed signifcant and 'unexplained' (I.e., no visible leaks from hoses or radiator) coolant loss, even at lower mileage than my car. These 'unexplained' losses have the same sympton as I noticed with my car, which is a build up of a greenish-brown gel-like substance on the inside of the oil fill cap and valve cover, which indicates cooling fluid leaks into the engine.
When the gas tank was full the gas gauge read empty and when the gas tank was empty the gas gauge read full. The steering wheel made noises, the A/C light did not stay on and the A/C blew hot air when the button was not activated, the key would come out of the ignition and would not stay in and the vehicle would still drive without the key in the ignition. The brakes would have to be replaced at least twice a year, the antenna did not pick up an adequate number of stations, (case efficiency decreased from 350 to 250 to refill the can), when two batteries were replaced, the gas gauge did not work, and condensation would set in the rear lights and burned them out.
1998 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes to express discontent with local dealership. The consumer stated the brake was spongy, the ABS light illuminated and the ac worked erratically, depending on the blower speed and would sometimes quit blowing cold air and would start to blow warm air. The consumer stated the brake fluid was very low. The dealer was unable to find any brake fluid leaks. However, two months later while driving, the brake pedal went to the floor, because the fluid had leaked out again. The brake lines were replaced. In addition, to the brake line issue, the sway bar was broken, a fuel line was leaking and the left rear strut had failed.
I bought in August of 2000 four monts after I have had this car my problems began since then the car has been in the shop at least 10 times for the same problem the engine light comes on and the car shakes and stalls out.paddock Chevrolet has given me false hope about the car they said they fixed the problem from fuel filters fuel injectors but the problem still occurs they had even after time admitted they can not fix the problem. Recently the problem has gotten worse I have a daughter who just turned a year and all I want is to feel safe on the road I have missed work a couple of time because of the problem and nothing is being done.
Fuel System complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, 3% of the model year's 976 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Malibu fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.